Reiss’s roster locks

[RayClay]

Let's be clear. Reiss listed 49 locks or near locks. I reduced it to 48 by excluding Moore.
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ARE THERE LOCKS FOR THE LAST FIVE POSITIONS (SIX for four weeks)?
Personally, I believe that fourth linebacker is an absolute lock. I believe that a long snapper is an absolute lock.

The other 3-4 positions could arguably come from anywhere. Personally, I don't think that we will have only 23 defensive players on the 53. Perhaps you disagree.

The patriots will LOOK at everyone, including Gallon. I agree with Reiss that the competition is very tough for anyone not on his list, especially on offense. After all, he already has 25 (including Slater).

I do NOT think that a 3rd TE is a GIVEN. I expect that it is a given that we will carry a TE on the Practice Squad.

It's possible, but I really doubt it, myself. I did criticize Reiss's locks, but my position is, outside of players like Brady and Reiss, calling someone a lock at this point is purposeless.

I will agree that it would be very hard to crack the roster at most positions, but also think that six current WRs and an added TE are more likely than picking the backups at DE for instance. I could see any combination of Buchanan, Smith, Moore, mystery meat Bequette, or a talented cut from another team.

To sum up, I don't believe 95% of the team is locked before any camp, but if it was, Reiss didn't do a great job ranking them. Just my opinion.

 

[State]

Reiss appears to have had a brain fart by neglecting to put the LB we acquired from Chicago, the veteran James Anderson, in the sure-fire or near-lock category. He started all sixteen games last year.

Film study on new LB James Anderson - espnBoston

 

[BTTA]

This is what my kids call a "first world problem"...life in the NFL when your team wins and wins and wins. It would be more fun in the offseason if we had 15 or 20 open spots, but much less fun in the regular season and playoffs (which wouldn't happen).

 

[mgteich]

Reiss appears to have had a brain fart by neglecting to put the LB we acquired from Chicago, the veteran James Anderson, in the sure-fire or near-lock category. He started all sixteen games last year.

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-...d/4763789/film-study-on-new-lb-james-anderson

Perhaps Reiss is waiting until this rent-a-player actually performs in a pre-season game. Anderson was signed to a 1-year contract with a $15,000 bonus. Perhaps this sounds like a roster lock to you. Personally, I expect Anderson and Beauharnais to make the team. But, it is early to call either a lock.

 

[supafly]

Perhaps Reiss is waiting until this rent-a-player actually performs in a pre-season game. Anderson was signed to a 1-year contract with a $15,000 bonus. Perhaps this sounds like a roster lock to you. Personally, I expect Anderson and Beauharnais to make the team. But, it is early to call either a lock.

I agree with you that he doesn't exactly fit into the solid lock category just yet in my opinion. Personally, I'd have him in the 70% range at the current moment. Like you said, it's a bit too early for an outsider to be considered a lock just yet, even if he has a solid reputation as an experienced pass coverage LB. We'll know more about him in the coming weeks ahead.

 

[Brady6]

It's possible, but I really doubt it, myself. I did criticize Reiss's locks, but my position is, outside of players like Brady and Reiss, calling someone a lock at this point is purposeless.

I will agree that it would be very hard to crack the roster at most positions, but also think that six current WRs and an added TE are more likely than picking the backups at DE for instance. I could see any combination of Buchanan, Smith, Moore, mystery meat Bequette, or a talented cut from another team.

To sum up, I don't believe 95% of the team is locked before any camp, but if it was, Reiss didn't do a great job ranking them. Just my opinion.

I do not think Will Smith is a near lock. I do not think he ends up making the final roster. I think you are right it will be some type of combination but I think it will be Jones, Ninkovich, Buchanan, Moore, and Bequette and Smith are competing for the final spot.

 

[captain stone]

If the final DE spot becomes the Fresh Prince vs Jake the Fake, then I know where I'm putting
my figurative money.

 

[pencilneckgeek]

Mikey's point is simply that this year there are very few "open" roster spots on the 53 (health assumed) readily accessible to a newbie

Yes, but you said that in one sentence, whereas Reiss took a week of posts, so he has to accept criticism of the substance of the posts or admit that the posts were a complete waste of time for him and his readership.

 

[pencilneckgeek]

I do not think Will Smith is a near lock.... Bequette and Smith are competing for the final spot.

Your logic broke down somewhere in there.

 

[Brady6]

Your logic broke down somewhere in there.

Bequette made the team over Cunningham, Francis, and Benard last season. Belichick appears to like his potential.

 

[makoute]

Bequette made the team over Cunningham, Francis, and Benard last season. Belichick appears to like his potential.

Or he was just better than Cunningham and Francis, which is very probable.

 

[Mack Herron]

Bequette made the team over Cunningham, Francis, and Benard last season. Belichick appeared to like his potential.

After which he was unable to develop sufficiently to get on the field. Again.

 

[Brady6]

After which he was unable to develop sufficiently to get on the field. Again.

I do not disagree. Bequette is a long shot to make the roster. Will Smith is as well in my opinion.

 

[jmt57]

Since the subject was brought up - for what it is worth, here are a couple of posts by Mike Reiss from last year in regards to locks, near-locks, and roster projections.

Wrapping up the 'Bubble Watch' - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

New England Patriots 53-man roster projection (v. 4) - ESPN Boston

 

[rochrist]

I do not think Will Smith is a near lock. I do not think he ends up making the final roster. I think you are right it will be some type of combination but I think it will be Jones, Ninkovich, Buchanan, Moore, and Bequette and Smith are competing for the final spot.

And you think Bequette is going to win?

 

[rochrist]

Bequette made the team over Cunningham, Francis, and Benard last season. Belichick appears to like his potential.

I'd put that in the past tense if I were you. If Bequette is a near lock for anything, it's being gone.

 

[captain stone]

Bequette made the team over Cunningham, Francis, and Benard last season. Belichick appears to like his potential.

It's not as if Bill hasn't made plenty of personnel mistakes before, unfortunately.
This is just one more of them.